"I want to be proactive and focus on maintaining my health and happiness and have decided that the best way forward is to take some time off ... I need to face this head on to ensure I am doing everything possible to be my best," the former Disney Channel star said.

Fans posted negative comments and Bieber made his account private in response.

"If you can't handle the hate then stop posting pictures of your girlfriend lol -it should be special between you two only," Gomez wrote under an image of the new couple. "Don't be mad at your fans. They love you."